I need a support group for over packers - Page 3 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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My personal philosophy is that it is better to overpack and not need it, than to underpack and need something that you don't have!
Words to live by! Yes, this is my philosophy as well.
My name is Sue, and I too am an over packer. When the 5 of us go to WDW for 8 days, we all have 1 checked bag and a carry on. Heck, we're going to CT for an overnight tonight and I'm not sure I can take a carry on , but if DH has anything to say about, I'll find a way to manage!
Hi there.... I underpack and do great!! just wanted to give some tips to help... I got a group of 4 and we are going for 12 days....and everything plus several bottles of wine got into 2 suitcases....(see my TR for the dimensions) I usually take enough clothes for about half the number of days that I am going for plus a few extra tops. Since you are doing laundry you could even take a few less bottoms. Take shoes (comfy)that will coordinate with several of your outfits. Some of the tops these days can be mini-dresses or tops for shorts/capris; put one outfit in your carry-on with a swimsuit. WDW toiletries are pretty good, but I usually bring some of my own in small containers..... Space bags/zip locks come in handy as well....Good luck as I see you leave tomorrow.... Have loads of fun!!!!
Hello...I am a RECOVERING Overpacker...yes, there is hope!! (Notice I did not not say REFORMED or CURED...it is a journey)
The desire to overpack is still in my nature. However, experience has taught me I do not use the items I overpack! Experience has also taught me that I do not mind doing a load of wash in the middle of the week/vacation. I thought that sounded dreadful until I did it last year. It went like this: Load clothes into hamper, carry to laundry room and load washer, jump into quiet pool and relax with family (pool is right beside the laundry room!!) WOW! Easy and still on vacation!!!
So, knowing that "doing laundry" on vacation is still vacation and not an interruption in the fun let me confidently cut down on the luggage!
I pack one bag of "Just in case" which includes first aid, blister-care, ponchos, antibacterial wipes, extra toiletries...etc. This one bag makes me feel "over-prepared" and cuts down on the anxiety that follows being "under-prepared" and I am more free to go light on packing! And, I begin packing this bag 365 days out -- so, I have a lot of time to feel like I "got this covered".
I truly believe LESS IS MORE!!!!!
Enjoy going lighter!!!
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"Disneyland has that thing - the imagination and the feeling of happy excitement - I knew when I was a kid."
--Walt Disney
I am the ultimate underpacker.....here to provide help.
Make a list of what you NEED. Only take those things. Don't get caught up in ....."just in case, I'd better take this"....chances are you'll never touch those things during the trip.
Put together an outfit for each day and then add two more for your 7 day stay. You won't need anything else....esp if you have laundry duty in your plan.
Take two pairs of shoes and a pair of flip flops. You don't need any more than that.
Glad to know I'm not the only one that takes 2 pairs of shoes plus sandals. DH2B thought I was nuts. But I found the last trip it really helps with the sore feet to alternate tennis shoes.
I also am an overpacker but I'm getting much better. My biggest thing is OTC meds. Ibuprofen, allergy meds, AZO tabs (may be TMI but you never know when a UTI can strike), Immodium, and I'm not counting the band aids, sunburn stuff, etc. I might as well just dump the medicine cabinet in my suitcase.
I also am an overpacker but I'm getting much better. My biggest thing is OTC meds. Ibuprofen, allergy meds, AZO tabs (may be TMI but you never know when a UTI can strike), Immodium, and I'm not counting the band aids, sunburn stuff, etc. I might as well just dump the medicine cabinet in my suitcase.
I too am an overpacker. I just got back from Texas after spending the last three weeks there. Since I was staying at my dad's new place, I only packed clothes for 5 days and figured I'd do laundry as needed. I still don't know how the heck I overpacked with having 1 suitcase and 1 carryon for myself. DD Bri had 1 small suitcase and a small carryon for herself. I had travel size toiletries and 1 pr. tennis shoes and flip flops, but somehow I still managed to overpack and almost couldn't get my suitcase closed for my flight home. And I used the XL ziploc bags for all my clothes to make more room in my suitcase. Guess it didn't work for me! LOL! Then I was panicking that my suitcase was going to be over the weight limit as it was stuffed to the gills. Thankfully I came in at 45.5 lbs with just a few more pounds to spare. I really need for someone who is good at underpacking to show me how to do it.
I am also an overpacker I just can't seem to help it! I make a list of everything that we'll need, but then my mind starts working over-time and I start thinking about all the things that I might end up needing. By the time I'm done, I've packed everything but the kitchen sink!
I never was then 911 and all the carry on restrictions hit. All the restrictions suddenly made it easier and simpler to just check a bag. Then I got a laptop and well now I feel like a pack mule.
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I am a WAY OVERPACKER!! I need everything! I need options, I am a girly girl, I may change my mind, and what if outfit A didnt look right, I need outfit B or C...
I'm trying to not be an overpacker. I went to Las Vegas last year for 3 days, and managed only a carry on. But I took over my husbands carry on also. I'm pondering not checking a bag.. Then I decided to check 2 bags. We'll see.
I am a CURED overpacker. This vacation my 2 DS and I are taking 2 suitcases and a small carry on per person(no clothes in the carry-on). You need to find a friend or co-worker who are an under-packer and have them sit with you and go through your packing step by step. You might have to have your hand slapped a couple times but they do it with love.
Don't pack more than you need. Listen to the voices in your head that say: "do you really need that?" Use any space saving advice you can use and have fun.
Yes medicine in the suitecase I hear you I have done the same thing in the past put in all this stuff and never used it. So this trip I have cut down substancialy on that kind of thing. Tossed out this that and the next thing. When I went thru the stuff the other day somehow the tooth paste was missing then I had to sift thru all the stuff to find it and put it back in. Fun Fun Fun. Thats what I get for packing so far ahead of time for trips. Last trip I forgot that I took the phone charger out of my case to take to the hospital when Mom was sick. That was not a good thing to do. Lucky we had the 2 phones with us and only using it when necessary carried us thru the trip. Just checked yesterday to be sure I had it this trip.
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Love the Magic of Disney Thanks Dad for our first 5 trips.
I was an "over packer" until I travel alone to Japan and need to carry 2 mediun suitcases all around....I learned to pack light - first thingne (and only one) mediun suitcase. Second: space once I´ll buy something and need space on it...
After that 2 "mantras", I put all my clothes I want to take in my bed, and begging "put in and take off" dance....No extras bags alowed, and rationalize all my clothes. A confortable pair of shoes in my foot for travelling/walking and one other pair that could be used with all clothes (I was the type that carried at least 3 pairs, excluding sandals and flip flops....). And for clothes, neutral colors, and possibility of matching....
Well, I managed to spend 3 weeks in Europe during winter with a mediun suitcase for myself and one to my DH...and returned with those 2 bags only!!!! Ok, laundry was done in a longer stay, but it definitelly worth!!!
Hi...my name is Jenny and I have always been an overpacker! My family tells tales of when I was little and would have a huge bag that my grandmother gave me filled with things for myself, my brother and 3 sisters to play with anywhere we were. I always have to have everything just in case! Also, the more stressed I am, the more things I need just in case anyone needs anything! My husband is slowly getting used to this after 18 years. The girls and parents on my daughter's skating team know who to find if they need anything!
Now, we are leaving for WDW in 6 days and...after two 60+ hour work weeks behind me and 1 and 1/2 more work days to go...I have to pack! Imagine how our minivan will look this trip! Lol It's a good thing I am good at arranging things to maximize space. We are probably the only family who calls to request rooms NEAR the parking lot! We actually switched rooms at Pop on our last trip so we could be nearer the parking lot AND just called the Disney people tonight to be sure it is noted in our reservations for next week!
See...I even overpack my posts with too many words! Lol
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Dec 2005 (POR) - our first WDW trip and our first WDW holiday / Dec 2006 (CSR) - our second WDW holiday / Aug 2007 (POLY!!!!) - Happy Early 40th Birthday to Me and our first DELUXE stay / Dec 2008 - Christmas at "Home" (POP) / Aug 2009 - Summer in the South (POFQ) / Aug 2010 - POP! and Caitie starts her internship at WDW/ Oct 2010 - Laura & I "POP" in to visit Caitie/ Feb 2011 - Feb Fam Vacation to visit Caitie / May 2011 - Going to the Boardwalk to pick up Caitie (BW)
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, but if DH has anything to say about, I'll find a way to manage!
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